The Glass Sentence

In 1891, in a world transformed by 1799's Great Disruption--when all of the continents were flung into different time periods--thirteen-year-old Sophia Tims and her friend Theo go in search of Sophia's uncle, Shadrack Elli, Boston's foremost cartologer, who has been kidnapped.She has only seen the world through maps. She had no idea they were so dangerous. Boston, 1891. Sophia Tims comes from a family of explorers and cartologers who, for generations, have been traveling and mapping the New World -- a world changed by the Great Disruption of 1799, when all the continents were flung into different time periods. Eight years ago, her parents left her with her uncle Shadrack, the foremost cartologer in Boston, and went on an urgent mission. They never returned. Life with her brilliant, absent-minded, adored uncle has taught Sophia to take care of herself. Then Shadrack is kidnapped. And Sophia, who has rarely been outside of Boston, is the only one who can search for him. Together with Theo, a refugee from the West, she travels over rough terrain and uncharted ocean, encounters pirates and traders, and relies on a combination of Shadrack's maps, common sense, and her own slantwise powers of observation. But even as Sophia and Theo try to save Shadrack's life, they are in danger of losing their own. The Glass Sentence plunges readers into a time and place they will not want to leave, and introduces them to a heroine and hero they will take to their hearts. It is a remarkable debut. - Publisher.

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Other reviews for this book may have set my expectations a little high. It's good but too convoluted - too many things are going on at once and the premise is unbelievable. The story is well paced though and even though I didn't completely buy in, I wanted to finish the story to find out what happened. #PACL2018

This book had me from the first few sentences -- I picked it up thinking it was going to be a delightful historical fiction read with a healthy dose of maps, and was pleasantly surprised by the fantastical journey it took me on. The world building is incredibly well done and inspiringly creative. I can't wait to read more. Fans of His Dark Materials will probably enjoy this one as well!

The worldbuilding in this alt-history fantasy is pretty astonishing -- it feels fully realized, and is wildly inventive, and the whole concept here is just fascinating. It's fairly complex for a middle grade book, so I would only recommend this to kids who are pretty strong readers, but I, for one, would have looooooved this when I was about 10 years old, and I really, really liked it now, as an adult. The characters are well drawn and relatable, and if I occasionally got lost, late in the book, trying to keep track of what exactly was happening (this was really only an issue in the last 75 pages), I'm guessing that I was probably just reading too fast, as is often the case. All in all, though, excellent kids' fantasy -- can't wait to read the sequels.

This is another book I read that was too young for me. My friend recommended it to me and was so excited about it, but I really don't see what is so good about it. There are plenty of horrifying moments where I just felt disgusted, and other times I simply felt pity. There wasn't much romance between the heroine and her "accomplice," which kind of disappointed me. I would have rather enjoyed it more if I read it at a younger age, close to the protagonist or maybe 13. Truly, its a good idea, but I just didn't like how the author played with it. 3.5/5 stars
- @Siri of the Teen Review Board of the Hamilton Public Library

Follow Sophia, through 1891 Boston and beyond, on a most unique adventure as she discovers the secrets in her own family and the secrets of friends she makes along the way. The Great Disruption affects all.

This is an amazing book. I had a bit of trouble with it when I first read it because I was younger and had barely read any fantasy books at that time. But I went back and reread it later on and it was amazing. I highly recommend this book. It is truly unique. (seriously, I have never read another book like this one)

An amazing debut novel. The world building is incredible and so detailed that I couldn't put this down. It's a commitment though, because it's a massive tome. Great for older elementary-aged readers and some younger YA readers.

This book is amazing! With a exciting plot line and characters that seem real, this book is worth the time. While reading this book, you see twists and turns that you've never read before, that are both clever and cunning. the series is fast paced and adventurous, with a sense of direction like no other. I recommend this to people who enjoyed a comical adventure with a hint of mystery.

Summary

Boston, 1891. Sophia Tims comes from a family of explorers and cartologers who, for generations, have been traveling and mapping the New World—a world changed by the Great Disruption of 1799, when all the continents were flung into different time periods. Eight years ago, her parents left her with her uncle Shadrack, the foremost cartologer in Boston, and went on an urgent mission. They never returned. Life with her brilliant, absent-minded, adored uncle has taught Sophia to take care of herself.

Then Shadrack is kidnapped. And Sophia, who has rarely been outside of Boston, is the only one who can search for him. Together with Theo, a refugee from the West, she travels over rough terrain and uncharted ocean, encounters pirates and traders, and relies on a combination of Shadrack’s maps, common sense, and her own slantwise powers of observation. But even as Sophia and Theo try to save Shadrack’s life, they are in danger of losing their own.

Quotes

Some things (and people) go elsewhere and soon return. Others go elsewhere and appear to want to stay. In those cases, the only solution for the very determined is to find them: go to elsewhere and bring them back.